My Dad

My dad celebrated his 78th birthday last Wednesday so I thought I would write a little bit about him and how much he means to me.


First of all, I can't believe that my dad is almost 80! He seems so young to me. His yard is perfect, his garden is awesome and he still can fix or build almost anything. I definitely got my love for being outside and gardening from my dad. When I was little, I would always head outside to help my dad in the garden and with the yard. I would help him pull weeds (and sometimes his tomato plants-they looked like weeds to me). I loved being outside with my dad. My mom can vouch for that because I always wanted to be out helping dad and not in the house doing dishes or housework. I haven't changed much.

When I was little, my dad worked on the weekends driving a dump truck. He always took a load of gypsum to Heber and every so often, he would invite me to come along. I loved riding in the big dump truck and being up so high. I even asked for a dump truck for my 5th birthday. Yes, I was and still am quite the tomboy. The best part about the trip to Heber was the stop we always made at Granny's to get one of their famous shakes.

My dad used to take me fishing and hunting with him and my brothers. He taught me how to set up my fishing pole and even how to clean the fish. He even bought me a Daisy bb gun when I was old enough. I always looked forward to spending that time with my dad.

My dad has always been so supportive of me and the activities I was involved in. I have so many great memories of him and my mom taking time off work and traveling great distances to come to one of my many softball, basketball or volleyball games. My dad has always been there for me in all that I've done.

I couldn't ask for a better dad. He is a wonderful dad, grandpa, and person.

Happy Birthday, dad, I love you.

Too Good to Pass Up

I know I just barely blogged about a video with Barack Obama, but someone shared this with me last week and it was too good to pass up. The only trouble with the clip is that Rocky lost the fight at the end of Rocky. Oh,well - Enjoy!

Double Feature

Tara and I never watch any movies. We like movies, don't get me wrong. It just isn't much of a priority. Over the weekend we happened to catch two quirky movies from last year: Juno and Lars and the Real Girl. Here are some thoughts...

Juno is a movie that we've both wanted to see since we heard about it months ago. Of course, the trailer was funny and the fact that it included Dwight from the Office didn't hurt. Still, I was a little apprehensive because the topic of the movie is teenage pregnancy and adoption. I guess I was worried that it would be a little too close to home. Juno is a great character. She embodies what I remember so much about teens while I taught high school. Students could be profound at times, and then a few minutes later, they could say some of the most absurd nonsense you've ever heard.

The scenes where Juno and the birth parents discussed the upcoming event, were far too familiar to me. It was interesting because the husband in the film (Jason Bateman's character) was way too stereotypical of the guy who isn't ready to become a dad. That didn't reflect my emotions at all. I wasn't sure if I wanted to adopt, but I never questioned my desire to become a father. Watching Jennifer Garner's character hold the little baby for the first time was a 3 year flashback to watching Tara snuggle with Kennedy at the hospital.

I liked the movie - in fact I watched parts of it twice. Tara and I spent much of Friday night talking about whether or not we'll want our kids to watch the movie when they are older (much older). Who knows? Maybe it will help them to understand the decisions that brought them into our family.

The second movie, Lars and the Real Girl, is something that's hard to describe, but impossible to forget. Lars starts out slowly, with a tale about a quiet man who lives an solitary life. Everything changes when Lars shows up one day with a life size sex doll that has become his new girlfriend. You know that there's no way to accept the premise of this movie, but you can't stop watching - anxiously waiting to see how people will respond to Lars and Bianca.

Over the course of the movie you really start to understand how important it is to be accepted for who you are, regardless of how different each of us may be. I thought about how this show would play out if Lars was a Mormon guy bringing his plastic girlfriend to the Ward? How accepting would we be? Even though the film takes a while to get going, I hope you'll give it a chance.

SNO

Last night I did something which makes me kinda happy - I went on a date, with my siblings. That's right, no spouses, no kids, no parent, just Alicia, Jason, and me. I don't know that the three of us have ever gone out without anyone else. Too often I find that we all get caught up in the routine of our lives and the other day it hit me - "I want to spend more time with my brother and sister." Here we are all in our 30's, living within 5 miles of one another, and we never really do anything together. Sure, we congregate with all of our kids and spouses from time to time, but then you can't really talk to one another. There's just too much going on.

So we went on a Siblings Nite Out (SNO) yesterday and had a great time. Dinner, a movie, and some ice cream. Nothing fancy, but it was great chance to reconnect and to realize that we like each other. I have a fun family and I'm really lucky to have a wonderful brother and sister. I just hope it doesn't take us another decade to hang out again.

He's Got Game

OK - let's get real about why I support Barack Obama. It isn't just because he inspires people, not simply due to his stance on Iraq, health care reform isn't the hotbed issue. It comes down to one key aspect of his character - he loves basketball. Can you imagine having a President who'd rather play hoops than golf? That's a country I want to live in.

Fun times with Friends

It's interesting to me that the friends I see the most are the ones from Snow College. We still don't get together enough, but we've been trying to get together more lately.

When we plan a get together, sometimes we all make it, most of the time we don't, but the regulars are always Patty, Angee and usually me.

So last week, after some planning and changed dates on my part, I actually got to hang out with my buddies twice.

We started with a GNO (girls night out) on Saturday, which consisted of a bad movie, (I'm too embarassed to admit which one we went to.) Okay, it was Drillbit Taylor, but in our defense, we left early and went shopping. Ang, I'm so glad you bought those tickets early online-we might have had to fight some 12 year old boys for the good seats without them. At least the popcorn was good-oh wait-it sucked too. Although it was good for one thing...Leave it to Patty to make a good use out of crappy popcorn.


So off to the mall we went. Since the mall was not in our plans and nobody had money or the desire to shop, we headed off to Chili's for some good dinner and some chat time. Dinner was good, chat time, not so good. We sat in the bar area with the loud people and TV. After dinner we all decided we needed to get some grocery shopping done for Sunday dinner, so off to Target we went. A few groceries later and a contest to see who could spend the least (I lost), we headed home. All in all, the activities of the night show just how old we are. But the great thing about it is that the conversation and fun was still there. It was just great to be together for a few hours-without the kids.

The next Tuesday, we all headed to Patty's house for another get together-with kids. We decided to go on a hike. If anyone remembers, it snowed that day. The hike was out, but don't worry we ended up at the local Odgen bowling alley. Sounded fun until I was reminded that Alex doesn't sit still and was on the run the entire time we were there. I should be losing weight chasing this kid. But it hasn't happened yet. The rest of the crew had fun, despite my fun times wrestling with Alex.




We spent the rest of the day at Patty's house and the kids had a blast playing together. The adults had some time to relax and talk and eat some chocolate. What a great way to spend a day. Thanks for the fun, friends. Lets do it again soon.

Sick Little Boy

We've been pretty lucky to have healthy kids. They rarely get sick, so when they do, I never seem to know what to do. Alex came down with a pretty good fever on Thursday and by Friday afternoon, it hit 103.3, so I decided to go to the doctor. I know they really can't do anything, but I was worried about an ear infection, so off we went. By the time we got to the doctor's office, his temp was down to 100.6. I felt kind of dumb since I'm not one to run to the doctor for any little thing. Anyway, of course the doctor said it is a virus and will just have to run its course. The worst part is that after the fever broke, Alex had developed these nasty looking sores inside and outside his mouth. They must be pretty painful, because he has been pretty cranky and won't eat much.


Alex has also become quite attached to his blankie during these few days. In this picture, he crawled off my lap, laid his blanket down on the grass, curled up in a little ball and fell asleep.

Now it's Monday and we are still waiting for Alex to be himself again, even if that means he's back to tearing the house apart. It will be better than the sad, crying, clingy little boy he's been the past few day. As much as I like cuddling with my little boy, he's becoming quite the mama's boy and I'm getting worn out.

The Bishopric (in the eyes of a deacon)

Fischer did a pretty good job capturing the Bishopric. You've got to love the sketch of Dick (far right)!

Random Thoughts for a Thursday

Here are a few things I hoped wouldn't come, but are knocking on the door:

1. We are going to cross $3.50 per gallon for gas in the next few weeks. I remember when we bought the Xterra in 2004 I was really worried about paying $1.70. I kept thinking that we could never afford to fill the tank with prices so high. Even in 2005, when gas hit $2.85 I was shocked, and started riding the bus again. Now we're almost to $3.50 and it won't be long until $4.00 per gallon is a reality. When will it end?
2. Summer time temperatures aren't too far off. Monday it was 74 degrees (of course it snowed on Wednesday). Still, I wish we could enjoy spring before the crazy Utah weather jumps right into summer.
   
3. You'll recall that 6 years ago I lost a bunch of weight. Well, I've found it. Over the past 4 years I just keep getting fatter and fatter. It's gotten to the point, that I've regained 45 of the 70 lbs. I lost. It all came to a head when I had a biometric screening today for my health insurance. I've got to do something about my weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol. I don't know if it's going to take going on some reality show, but right now - I feel like the Biggest Loser...
   

Back to Reality

I don't know what it is about Church the week after we come back from General Conference; everyone is happy about life and feels invigorated about living the gospel. It almost reminds me of returning to school from summer vacation. Even the "bad" kids are excited to go back to school and see their friends. I think the same is true for members of the Church after conference. Everyone wanted to discuss their favorite talks and moments from the sessions. It was a great Sunday; now if we could only get back to attending Church in our PJ's.

I've been tagged

So my friend Angee tagged me the other day with one of those silly blogs telling stuff about yourself. I know Jared did one a few months ago, so I guess I will give it a go. The worst thing about this is that I am really boring, so therefore, this post will be boring.

What was I doing 10 years ago:

10 years ago, Jared and I had been married for 6 months. We lived in a tiny apartment by Liberty Park on Lake Street. The great thing about the street was that if it rained hard enough, it really did turn into a lake.


I was working at The Boys & Girls Club in Murray, trying to keep a bunch of kids in line and having a good time with it. I had just graduated from the U. of U. with a degree in therapeutic recreation and didn't know what I really wanted to do with it. Jared was still in school with several years left. Good thing I was making big bucks at the Boys & Girls Club to support him!

5 places I've visited:

1. Spain-if you can count a mission. What a great place. My goal is to get back to Spain-specifically Barcelona someday. I'd like to hit Italy while in the area.

2. Switzerland and France. I put these together because we visited them after my mission with my parents and sisters and did both in about 4 days-not enough time.

3. Boston, MA. Been there twice in 3 years. It's helped that we've got great friends there who let us crash at their house for free while we run off to Red Sox games at Fenway. Thanks Chappo and Michelle. Hope to go back there soon, also.


4. Atlanta, GA. I include this because it was the first time I flew on an airplane. I was 14 and our little softball team made it to the National tournament in Marietta, Georgia. We won the consolation bracket (we were the best of the losers!)

5. San Diego, CA. Two reasons: Jared and I spent a few days on our honeymoon there and my sister and her family lived there (Coronado) for 2 years while I was in college. We made lots of trips out to visit them. There's just something about the beach and 70 degree weather year round that can't be beat. The city has good memories for me and we are heading back to Coronado this summer for a girls only trip.

Things I enjoy:

I enjoy my kids-90% of the time.
I enjoy the sound of tiny feet running across the floor.
I enjoy Mexican food, Pepsi and chocolate
I enjoy late night email sessions with my friends and an occasional girls night out.
I enjoy 5:45 pm, sometimes 5:50 pm when Jared comes home from work and the kids tackle him as he comes in the door (and I get a little break-sometimes)
I enjoy reading a good book when the kids are in bed

3 bad habits:

1. I think this came up before-I like Pepsi and chocolate.
2. I like to sleep in-even until 8 am is a treat for me. (Doesn't happen much now.)
3. I burp. Not usually in public, just at home, but I'm pretty good at it. Gross.

5 things you might not know about me:

1. I like to do yardwork and I plant a little garden every year.
2. I like Wynonna Judd music (not so much now-too much gospel music, but when I was younger I actually joined her fan club-embarrassing, I know.)
3. I am going to run a 1/2 marathon this year. I'm putting this on because I am very out of shape right now and have vowed to do this so I can get my butt in gear. If I put it on the blog, maybe it will actually happen. I need something to motivate me.
4. I like reality TV. Mostly Survivor and Top Chef.
5. I can touch my nose with my tongue.

5 jobs I've had:

1. Cashier at a gas station in Springville. I think I made $3.50 an hour.
2. Softball umpire for Springville girls league. I did this for a couple of summers.
3. Worked front desk at the Life Centre fitness center in Sandy.
4. Boys & Girls Club of Murray.
5. Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation-program coordinator and manager

Although the hardest job I have had to this date is being a mom. Doesn't pay much and is 24 hours a day. Although the hugs and kisses and laughs are worth it. Here I am, not sleeping in.


So there you have it. Now you know more about little old me than will ever be necessary.

Spring Cleaning

I may not be the best at cleaning around the house - I always say that I'm a straightener, not a cleaner. Still, it's time to to a little Spring cleaning on the blog, specifically on the photo pages for the kids. We've had a fun year so far and the pictures certainly show some of the good times we've enjoyed. Take a quick look at the pics of Kennedy or Alex. I think you'll enjoy the smiles - and a few frowns.

Comeback Kid

Don't ask me how it happened, but I somehow came back to win the NCAA bracket this year. It was all down to the final, Tara had Memphis, I had Kansas. With 3 minutes left in the game I thought it was all over. The Tigers were up 9 and everything seemed to be going their way. I wasn't even able to watch the game since I was up at the gym. The only way I could even track the score was on a cell phone with Internet access. Imagine my surprise when the update came across that Kansas made a 3 pointer with 2.3 seconds left to tie the game. Wow!! I knew it was over right then. I would finish in 1st and Tara would drop to 4th.

I guess it's a good thing we don't put any money on these brackets. I know there's no way I would win if there was anything really riding on a victory. Even so I can say that I'm the proud owner of a fictional trophy in my fantasy case. YES!!!

Solemn Assembly

Yesterday we participated in a special service as a part of General Conference. Whenever a new Prophet is sustained by the Church it occurs as part of the next Conference in a Solemn Assembly. Usually the body of the Church sustains our leaders collectively. In a Solemn Assembly, each member stands with their particular group (Priesthood, Relief Society,etc.) and sustains the new Prophet. It gives each of us a chance to acknowledge our personal support of the change and it provides each member the opportunity to witness for themselves that the Prophetic mantel has been passed.

It was really neat to teach our children about the new prophet, Thomas S. Monson, and to discuss the reason why each of us raised our arms to the square. Kennedy was very excited and raised her arm every time she saw someone do the same on TV. It's been fun to watch Conference with her this year. For Family Home Evening last week we walked about the new First Presidency and Kennedy memorized each of their names. As one of our leaders has stood to speak Kennedy has proudly declared, "That's President Erying!" or "President Monson is speaking." Her personal favorite is President Uchtdorf. She loves saying his name and put extra emphasis on the first syllable - "UCHT-dorf". It's been a great Conference and a wonderful opportunity to teach our kids about the Church.

Diary of a Jazz Fan

The Jazz made another big step in their push for a home court edge in the first round of the playoffs this year. For years our biggest nemesis has been the Spurs and tonight the Jazz blew them off the court. Still, we need to have some tempered optimism about this win; remember the game was in Utah. The real test will come in two weeks when we play in San Antonio, where the Jazz have lost 20 straight times.

Utah is now 51-26 on the season and it's assured that we'll finish with a better record than last year. The Jazz will again win the Northwest Division and will probably end up with the 4th seed in the playoffs. The question still remains as to whether or not they will get home court for the first round of the playoffs. The Jazz are 35-4 at home this year, but only 16-21 on the road. Where do you think they'd rather play? It will be fun to watch the end of the season. Hopefully, the Jazz will finish strong and we can celebrate the season long into May and, if everything works out, on through June...

Diary of a Red Sox Fan

I can't believe it's baseball season again. It's always exciting to have another season upon us, but my excitement is a bit tempered this year. When you enter the season as the defending champions there isn't anywhere to go but down. Don't get me wrong, I think the Red Sox can repeat this year, but I don't think it will be easy. There have already been injuries to Beckett and Schilling, and we started the season with the dreaded trip to Japan (every team who's made this trip has gotten off to a terrible start!).

Since I'm not going back to Beantown this year there won't be any chances to see the Sox in person. Still, we won't miss many games. The DirecTV baseball package will keep us with the Red Sox every night. And our new DVR will ensure that I'll actually be able to watch a few of the games after I get home. It's fun to have baseball back and I'm excited to see if the Red Sox can repeat their magic from last year.

Saving the Day

This morning I was up pretty early to teach a workshop at West Jordan High School. Since the training ended around 8 am I decided to swing by McDonald's and take the fam a little breakfast. Nothing major, just an Egg McMuffin for everyone. As I entered the door Kennedy spotted the Golden Arches on the bag I had with me and she erupted with joy:

"Mommy, Mommy come quick. Daddy brought us McDonald's sandwiches for breakfast. Hurry, Hurry."

I've never seen anyone so excited to have a McGriddle in my entire life. But Kennedy wasn't done there. After taking her first bite of the breakfast treat, she proclaimed:

"Daddy, you saved the day!"

Saving the day by 8:30 am. Not bad, not bad at all.